Android Q might have native hardware support for a facial recognition feature akin to Apple's Face ID, according to code found in an early version of Android Q.
To date, Android phone manufacturers have had to develop their own facial recognition system or employ merely basic face detection because Google doesn't have a standard for the technology. That could change soon.
Face ID On Android Q?
Keen-eyed folks at XDA and 9to5Google have just discovered something hidden with Android Q that hints at native support for hardware face recognition, one that would be used not just for scanning one's face to sign into the device, but also for authorizing purchases and signing into other apps.
In that regard, the feature sounds similar to Face ID in many ways as that can used to unlock Apple's newer iPhones and even make purchases on the iTunes Store or the App Store. What's not clear is how secure Google's implementation is going to be. By contrast, Apple touts its facial recognition technology as being far more secure than other manufacturers' solutions, and, most notably, more secure than fingerprint-based scanning.
What This Means For Manufacturers
Google establishing a standard biometric system in relation to facial recognition is a big move. If it does end up in the final version of Android Q, phone manufacturers might do away with coming up with their own solutions and take advantage of Google's own tech instead to make things more straightforward and more streamlined for regular users.
That being said, it's good practice to temper one's expectation. After all, the tech in question was found in an early version of Android Q — the keyword here being "early." Since Android Q is most definitely still in its early stages of development, things might be added in later or some preexisting features might be taken out just as well. In other words, there's a chance this standardized facial recognition system ends up not being in the final version of Android Q.
In any case, the software update might arrive late summer, if history is anything to go by. Hopefully it does integrate the feature in question because it could significantly expand the availability of secure facial recognition on Android devices. Plus, it'll help smaller manufacturers, or those who might not have the resources to develop their custom biometric tech.
As always, take everything mentioned above with a grain of salt. But if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
